The Barbican has so much to offer! From beautiful architecture, to a conservatory, amazing art, films, music and performances. It is such an exciting and relaxing place to hang out. Even if you don't have a purpose for visiting the Barbican, it's good for just having a tea with a friend. 

Lovely pub/cafe. Great atmosphere, best to sits outside 

Eccentric and surprising house and museum of architect Sir John Soane. Mostly unchanged since his death over 180 years ago, it is full of atmosphere. Also have spotlit, late night openings.  

This painted of the shopping centre by my brother, Leo Verhoeven, shows a rather idyllic vision of the shopping centre we both share. Its pretty rough, full of budget shops and funny cafes and framed by a shanty town style open air market. I have a real soft spot for it as the classic under dog, thats so often slated and condemned but lives on.

SOAS university has a small gallery space dedicated to exhibitions about Asia, Africa and the Middle East. There's a small but beautiful Japanese zen garden on the rooftop (currently closed for refurbishment)